Information for Patients

Tuberculosis

Also called: TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body.

TB spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks. If you have been exposed, you should go to your doctor for tests. You are more likely to get TB if you have a weak immune system.

Symptoms of TB in the lungs may include

A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Coughing up blood or mucus

Weakness or fatigue

Fever

Night sweats

Skin tests, blood tests, x-rays, and other tests can tell if you have TB. If not treated properly, TB can be deadly. You can usually cure active TB by taking several medicines for a long period of time.

NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Acid-fast stain

Coughing up blood

Disseminated tuberculosis

Meningitis - tuberculous

Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Mycobacterial culture

PPD skin test

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Routine sputum culture

Scrofula

Taking medicines to treat tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Facts - Exposure to TB (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Tuberculosis Facts - TB Can Be Treated (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Tuberculosis Facts - Testing for TB (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Tuberculosis Facts - You Can Prevent TB (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Tuberculosis: General Information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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